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Here on the Gulf Coast we endeavor to create an environment that is welcoming, safe, and memorable for everyone who chooses to vacation with us. South Walton's 26 miles of beaches are beautiful, scenic and refreshing - and to keep them that way, we all must respect our fellow visitors and the natural environment.
The following beach ordinances and state statutes ensure the best experience for everyone.
Beach Safety
Know Before you Go
- Leave No Trace: overnight, unattended items will be discarded
- Glass containers prohibited
- Solicitation prohibited
- Removal of sand, vegetation or Gulf water prohibited
- Keep off dunes
- No excessive noise
- Tents must be 10' x 10' or smaller and are to be set up only on the top 1/3 of the available beach space
- Camping prohibited
- No metal shovels
- Fill in holes dug in sand
- No littering
- No nudity
- Please allow a 15' setback from dunes and water's edge for emergency vehicles
- Vehicles and dogs require permits*
- Bonfires require a permit**
- No charcoal grills***
Leave No Trace
To keep our beaches clean and safe for both marine life and beachgoers, Walton County entorces Municipal Code 22-54 (g). This code prohibits beach chairs, umbrellas, tents and other personal items from being left unattended Items left on the beach overnight (from one hour after dusk to one hour after sunrise) will be discarded unless otherwise permitted.
Your cooperation with this municial code will ensure the area's beaches remain pristine while also ensuring that personal articles do not intertere with nesting sea turtles, beach maintenance and emergency vehicles
For more about South Walton's beach rules, "Leave No Trace" policy and beach safety guidance, go to VisitSouthWalton.com.
Fishing License
Visitors over the age of lo and residents under the age of 65 are required by the state to have a Fishing License unless they are participating in a fishing charter. Licenses can be obtained through Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation Commission, www.MyFWC.com.
Beach Safety and Flag System
Check surf conditions along the 26 miles of coastline by taking note of the colored flag system designed for your satety.
Current flag conditions are posted daily at BeachSafety.com
Lifeguards are available at Regional Beach Accesses March 1 - October 31 with limited roving coverage year round. Lifeguards are provided by South Walton Fire District and funded as a part of the Visit South Walton Beach Safety Program.
Regional Beach Accesses include Miramar Beach, Dune Allen, Fort Panic, Ed Walline, Gulfview Heights, Blue Mountain, Van Ness Butler Jr. Santa Clara and Inlet Beach.
For more information and tips on beach safety, go to VisitSouthWalton.com/Beach-Safety or call (800) 822-6877.
Entering the Gulf during double red flag conditions can result in a $500 fine and criminal charges.
Rip Currents
Rip currents are powerful currents of water that can sweep even the strongest swimmers out to sea.
Identify a rip current
- Darker color surf, indicating deeper water
- Murky brown water caused by sand stirred up on the bottom
- Smaller unorganized waves, alongside more evenly breaking waves over a sand bar
- Waves breaking further out to sea on both sides of the rip current
What to do if you are caught in a rip current
- Don't panic or swim against the current
- Float with the current until it subsides
- Swim parallel to shore and diagonally back in
What to do if someone else is caught in a rip current
- Have someone call 911, give accurate landmarks (beach safety Flag poles are numbered)
- Do not enter the water, you too will be caught in the current
- Throw them a flotation device
- Try not to lose sight of the victim
Violations of the beach rules may result in fines and/or other penalties.
Entering the Gulf during double red flag conditions can result in a $500 fine and criminal charges.
*Vehicle and dog permits are for residents and property owners only. If you fall into this catagory. you may obtain a permit through the Walton County Administration Office (850)892-8155.
**Permitted bonfires are allowed at most public beach accesses, which are identitied by an access number located at the beginning of each boardwalk. Accesses not clearly marked are privately owned and require written permission from the property owner before a permit is issued. For more information, contact the South Walton Fire District, (850) 2267-1298.
***Charcoal grills are not allowed on the beach. All grilling must be done on Propane grills measuring at 4 square inches (approximately 12"x18" rectangular or 16" in diameter for circular grills) or smaller.
Beach Access for Visitors with Disabilities:
ADA accessible walkovers are available at six beach access points including Miramar Beach, Dune Allen, Ed Walline, Van Ness Butler Jr.. Santa Clara. and Inlet Beach.
The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) offers beach wheelchairs at the following beach accesses: Pompano Joe's (Miramar Beach), Ed Walline (Santa Rosa Beach), Dune Allen Regional Beach Access, Santa Clara Regional Beach Access (seagrove). Van Ness butler. Jr. seaside. and Inlet Beach Regional Beach Access from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. daily, through the lifeguard season.
For more information on ADA accessible activities anci accommodations, contact Visit South Walton at (850) 267-1216.
